Harvest Blog

7 Surprising Ways to Use CBD Flower (Without Smoking It)

At Harvest, we’ve spent a lot of time exploring the physical health benefits of CBD (otherwise known as cannabidiol). Although this non-psychotropic part of the cannabis plant has historically not been as widely used as its THC co-component, CBD’s healing properties are becoming more popular every day. We’re seeing consumers and patients everywhere search for ways to get more CBD in their lives, without breaking out their lighters.

Dispensaries carry a variety of CBD products ranging from salves to candies to tinctures. But if you like to experiment in the kitchen, you may prefer to buy CBD-dominant flower and make your own recipes.

Two Essential Tips for the Best CBD Recipes

If you're brand new to cooking or creating with cannabis, there are two important factors to note when using flower in recipes, regardless of whether you’re making food or body products.

Cannabinoids, both THC and CBD, need to be decarboxylated for maximum benefit. Don’t let the term confuse you. It’s a simple process that involves tossing your flower in the oven on low heat. Here are some simple decarboxylation instructions.

Cannabidiol is fat soluble, which means it breaks down and is stored in fat. This is why recipes often call for cannabis-infused oils or butters, instead of flower.

7 CBD Flower Recipes to Add to Your Recipe Box

Here are a few ways you can incorporate CBD flower into your food, supplements and personal care routines.

CBD Coconut Oil

Some people believe that coconut oil is the best way to gain maximum benefits from CBD. Because cannabidiol is fat soluble and coconut oil is 80% saturated fat, coconut oil a great binding agent for cannabinoids that supports efficient absorption in the blood stream and across the rest of the body.

There are seemingly endless ways to use coconut oil. You can cook with it, bake with it, add it to your coffee or rub it on your skin. Whether you’re consuming it or applying it topically, by using CBD-infused coconut oil, you get the benefits of both powerful ingredients.

CBD Tea

Tea is a lovely way to combine CBD with other herbs in order to get specific effects. Consider blending your CBD flower with:

Peppermint CBD for upset stomachs

Chamomile CBD to reduce anxiety and promote a good night’s sleep

Black or green tea leaves mixed with CBD for a caffeine boost or to knock out a headache

For more subtle effects, you can skip decarboxylation, dry out your flower and toss it in a tea ball. If you want stronger results, remember to pop your flower in the oven before making your tea blend. And consider adding some coconut oil or heavy creamer to your tea to increase cannabinoid absorption.

CBD Kombucha

Kombucha has been consumed for more than 2,000 years to improve digestion, along with a host of other benefits. Given cannabis’s benefits for nausea, digestive issues and overall gut health, coupling kombucha with CBD might just be a match made in heaven.

CBD-infused kombucha and other beverages are starting to pop up in breweries across the country. But you don’t need to be near a trendy pub to enjoy some CBD kombucha. You really can make it at home. Here’s a simple recipe for cannabis kombucha. This one uses store-bought kombucha, but if you're feeling up for a challenge, you can certainly make yours from scratch.

CBD Seasoning

If you’re just getting started using cannabis in the kitchen, one of the easiest ways to include into recipes is to add it as a seasoning. Just dry a batch of flower out in the oven and crush it up. CBD seasoning makes a great addition a multitude of dishes, especially those with an Italian flare.

If you want your CBD recipes to be nutritious and delicious, Here's a phenomenal guide to help you determine which recipes and herbs to pair your CBD seasoning with.

CBD Capsules

Not everyone is a fan of the way cannabis changes the flavor of their food. If you’re one of these people, there is an alternative way to ingest your cannabinoids. Consider making CBD capsules.

Canna caps can especially be the right option for people who are already taking vitamins or other supplements. This Leafly article has a great recipe, plus tips for controlling dosage.

CBD Bath bombs

Topical products are great remedies for those using CBD for pain relief. Bath bombs and bath salts can be a lovely way to incorporate CBD into your body care routine. While you can find some of these products at your local Harvest dispensary, they’re fun and easy to make at home.

You can just toss your dried flower into your bath, but we recommend making a CBD-infused coconut oil and adding the oil to a bath bombs recipe. The coconut oil will enhance the effects of the CBD so you get more health benefits from your medicine.

Get Started Making Your CBD Recipes

Although smoking cannabis flower has culturally been the most common method of consumption, that doesn’t mean it’s the best. There are no shortage of ways you can use CBD and other cannabinoids to enhance your physical health.